If you want to install a ceiling fan but don't know how, this article will teach you.
Step
Step 1. Turn off the power from the circuit breaker or fuse
After that, remove the fitting. This can be checked by pressing the light switch or with a circuit checker on the light fitting. If there are used fittings, remove them and disconnect the wire. The fan is a moving object and is heavier than a ceiling fitting and does not move. Because of these two things, if you do not have a fitting for the fan, you will have to replace the fitting with a fan fitting.
Step 2. If there is no center light fitting, determine the center point of the room using one of the techniques below
Tighten the new fan electrical box directly to the nearest bar.
- Line with chalk diagonally from one corner to the other. This line will be dotted in the middle of the room. (Easier).
- Use the tape measure to measure, and find the center line. (If you don't have chalk.)
Method 1 of 5: Install the Electrical Box
Step 1. Purchase an electric box fan from a home supply store or electrical store
It's a good idea to buy an older model if you don't have access to a ceiling. There are two types of old-fashioned electrical boxes; one box is designed to straddle existing bars; this type is easier to install, but you have to “find” the bars and not “avoid them.” The second type must be installed yourself but you can specify the location. Both types work well.
Step 2. After determining where you want to install the fan, “assess your ability to deliver power”
See the tips section below for some power source ideas. Set this location if needed. Then, punch holes in the ceiling with a gypsum saw; large enough for your finger to feel any potential obstruction to the box. This small hole will make installation easier if the location is not suitable.
Step 3. After making sure there are no obstructions, (wires, pipes, frames, etc.) install the electrical box on the ceiling
Step 4. If you are installing in the kitchen or dining room, and the power source you choose is larger, the #12 cable
Regardless of the location, if your power source is cable #12, you should use #12-2 or #12-3 instead of #14-2 or #14-3 listed below marked " * " (The general rule is never to connect wires of different sizes).
Step 5. Remove the #14-2 or #14-3 wire from the panel box which has the hot #14-2 120 volt wire and neutral wire in the fan location
If your fan has a cordless remote, you may want to plug it directly from the 120-volt plug. Better yet, plug a new panel box from the wall outlet - it will supply power to the fan. If you want to remove the fan and replace it with a light fitting, there will be a button to control it.
Step 6. Use #14-2* cable if you prefer:
A) power the fans and lights from a single button. B) power the fan and/or lamp with the RF remote supplied with the fan or purchased separately.
Step 7. Use #14-3* cable if you prefer:
C) power the fan separate from the lamp with two buttons from one panel.
Step 8. Using a #14-3* cable allows you to do method A, B or C above, and provides the most flexibility at a slightly higher price
Step 9. Using a good connection if necessary, redirect the cable to the fan box through the cable entrance
Step 10. Install the fan box according to the manufacturer's instructions
All fans vibrate when on. Your mount must be strong to withstand this vibration, this is why National Electrical Code (NEC) ordered to use the fan box. Many people were hurt because they didn't know the NEC rules. Use a fan box to reduce this risk.
Step 11. Determine if special mounts are needed
When mounting on a post or angled ceiling, some fans require specific mounts which may or may not be available directly with the fan. Most fans, however, are included with universal mounts for most ceilings. Choose the one that fits best. Extension rods may also be available to lower the fan to the desired height.
Method 2 of 5: Wiring the Fan
Step 1. In the fan box:
if you are using #14-2 or #12-2, wire the fan following the standard color scheme: wire white to white, green to green, black to black and blue (if applicable).
Step 2. In the fan box:
if you choose #14-3 or #12-3 wires, you will have black, red, white and clear (or green) wires. Connect the cables to the fan by connecting the white to white, green to green, black to black, and red to blue wires.
Step 3. On the panel box:
When using two wall buttons or controls in the same box, all wires (green and clear) connect. The green screw on each button must be connected to a set of wires. Tie this joint and push it into the back of the box. Connect the white power supply wire to the fan white wire, tie it up and move it to the back of the box. With the switches oriented ON and OFF, connect 6-8 inches (15.2-20.3 cm) of black wire between the hot wires (power source) and the top screw of each switch. Connect the fan's red wire to the bottom screw #2. If everything is installed correctly, switch #1 will operate the light and switch #2 will operate the fan. If you want to change the fan speed from the switch panel, you must change the speed controller on switch #2. The dimmer can be used instead of switch #1 to dim the lights.
Step 4. On the switch panel:
If using a wall switch, the cable connection is the same as above. Connect the power source (hot) black wire to the top screw of the switch. If you want to control the lamp with a wall switch: connect the black wire of the fan to the power source and the red wire of the fan to the switch, because power is always available to the fan, it can be operated freely by pulling the chain and the lamp will be operated by the wall switch. Swap the cable connections to operate the fan with switch and light by pulling on the chain.
Step 5. If using a remote, connect the fan's black and white wires directly to an always-on power source
Connect the cables to the remote receiver according to the instructions - most remotes match their color (black to black, white to white) and fan/light color to remote color (black to black, white to white, blue to blue).
Step 6. Cover each joint with a wire cover
Put everything in the electrical box. When working on fan cables, use the supplied “hook” to hang the fan.
Method 3 of 5: Assembling the Fan
Step 1. Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions
Most fan blades have two prongs, use screws that go through the holes in the fan blades and into the prongs. It should be pulled firmly, but not so tightly that the fan blade material is damaged. On many fans you will find prongs that must also be attached to the frame of the engine. In this case, attach them before the prongs are attached to the fan blades.
Step 2. When you attach the fan blade to the machine, you need 3 or 4 hands
Step 3. The manufacturer's instructions may say otherwise, but if the fan blades are less than the length of the screwdriver from the ceiling, it's a good idea to install the blades before hanging the fan
Step 4. Some fans use a “speed loop” which allows you to mount the fan blades on the floor and then attach them to the machine once it is mounted on the ceiling
To do this:
- Tighten each knife in a loop, then attach it to the machine using rubber grommets and screws.
- Place the fan cap over the circle and attach the decorative cap.
Method 4 of 5: Hanging the Fan
Step 1. Attach the hanger with screws and lockring
If there are no lockrings, you will have to buy them as they prevent fan vibration from loosening the screws. The hanging bracket can accept either a half-ball or hook-type hanger, depending on your fan. Gently insert the hanger into the bracket. Twist the hemispherical type until the bracket is parallel to the groove of the ball.
Step 2. Attach the fan canopy to the engine frame with screws
If you have high ceilings, you may also want to install a hanging pipe.
Step 3. Hang the installed machine from the two hooks on the bracket
Step 4. Reconnect the cables, starting with the green wire
Make sure to connect the black to black, and white to white wires. Connect the green wires from the box, fan and power source with cable ties. Insert all cables into the canopy and lock them with brackets.
Step 5. Install the ceiling cap and secure it
Step 6. Attach the fan engine to the mount with the screws provided
Turn on the fan and make sure all connections are good - remember to turn on the wall switch and pull the string on the fan.
Method 5 of 5: Installing Lights (if applicable)
Step 1. To access the cable that powers the lamp, loosen the screw that secures the fan button panel cover at the bottom
With the lid open, you'll see a bunch of wires. Of these wires, two will be labeled as light wires. One will be white (neutral) and the other will be black, red, or blue (hot). Some fans and lights use plugs and jacks instead of individual cables.
Step 2. Before installing the light wire, attach the adapter loop
This adapter serves as a lowering loop on the lamp frame. Attach the adapter loop with the screws provided.
Step 3. Pull the two labeled wires through the adapter loop, lift the lamp and make a coil connection
Join the two white wires with the cable connector and the black wire fittings to the remaining labeled wires. If the fan and lamp have plugs and jacks, attach them by inserting the plug into the jack. Secure the lamp to the fan with the screws provided.
Step 4. Turn it on and test your connection
Check if it sways.
Tips
- If the fan is placed outside the house, it must be strong in wet or humid conditions.
- If you place a fan in a bedroom or high ceiling, make sure it has a wall switch or remote.
- Check the fan blades carefully. Stacking the fan blades on top of each other can be a potential problem due to the wood or plastic or metal blades and where to place them. If this is the case, it will cause the fan to wobble and make noise when running - especially at high speeds.
- For the purposes of this wiki, the power source is “constant” (can only be turned off at the electrical panel breaker or fuse) 120 volts consists of hot wire (usually black but sometimes red or blue) and neutral (almost always white) may also contain clear wire or green. The neutral wire does not have to be new wire from the panel, but can be from an existing wall outlet or from a button where there are at least two black and white wires in the button box. The tester will help determine which cables are unswitched and charged.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for balancing. Check the balance of all fan speeds.
- Use only the speed controller (don't use a dimmer) to adjust the fan speed.
- For considerations on installing a ceiling fan, consult How to Install a Ceiling Fan
- Only “fan boxes” should be used to hold fan wings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Screws should be screwed in as tight as possible because loose fitting causes the fan to wobble and make noise or become damaged.
- Make sure the fan is quiet (if not being used in an ad building).
- Only use the dimmer button to change the brightness of the lamp. Do not attempt to dim a densely incandescent lamp unless the lamp is labeled dimmable.
- Most cities require a licensed electrician to do this job.
Warning
- Do not use an electric screwdriver to tighten screws -- use it to make screw holes, use hand tools to tighten and prevent damaging the screws.
- In some locations, it is illegal to install electric coils if you are not a licensed electrician.
- Choose a fan suitable for outdoor use if you want to use it outdoors or in a humid location.
- The white wire in the romex is not always the neutral wire. If you don't understand the last sentence, ask a professional.
